Why Kosher?

Keeping kosher offers a variety of spiritual and practical benefits.

This past year I visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Being hungry, I stopped at the cafeteria and asked if they had kosher food. The woman behind the counter replied, "Yes, we have some wrapped and sealed sandwiches, but we have lots of kosher-like food."

I bought a sandwich, and over lunch thought about her statement. What is "kosher-like"? It's really not kosher, it just "looks" kosher.

There are two signs for an animal to be kosher -- fully split hooves, and rumination (chewing its cud). The pig has only one sign, the split hooves, and thus is not kosher. One Midrash (commentary) states that we can learn an interesting lesson from pigs. They lay on the ground with their feet protruding showing the split hooves as if to say, "Look at me, I am kosher." There is a subtle -- or not so subtle -- lesson that we must not judge by appearances, but by facts and reality.

We must not judge by appearances, but by facts and reality.

Most Jews today do not observe kashrut (Jewish dietary laws). More than likely, if you ask someone who doesn't keep kosher why the Torah has dietary laws, he'll tell you that the reason is because Moses didn't have USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) supervision to ensure that pigs healthy and don't have trichinosis.

It is an interesting explanation, but it doesn't explain why kosher fish need fins and scales, why fruit from trees can't be eaten before the fourth year, why animals must be slaughtered in a certain manner and all blood removed from the meat, why meat and milk are not to be mixed, why shellfish, insects and other creepy-crawlers of land and sea, as well as birds of prey (not pray), and milk from a non-kosher animal are all forbidden. The laws of kashrut cover the depth and breadth of the food chain.

Perhaps the most revealing response to those who maintain that kashrut is for health is to look at the traditional staples of Ashkenzai (European) Jewish cuisine -- chopped liver, grivines (fried chicken skin), cholent (a Shabbat stew). A food can be kosher and a first class ticket to a heart attack!

COVENANTAL FOOD

In all discussions in life, it is important to have two things before coming to a conclusion: definitions and facts. If we don't define our terms, we waste a lot of time before clarifying what were talking about. And if we don't have the facts, we can end up looking foolish. So, why do Jews keep kosher?

God wants us to use our intellect to understand the mitzvot to the best of our ability.

The two reasons why Jews for thousands of years have kept kosher is because Jews believe: 1) There is a God who created the world, sustains and supervises it. 2) God entered into a covenant with the Jewish people, and gave the Torah, obligating Jews to uphold and fulfill its commandments. The kosher laws are a part of that covenant.

Sure, there are many benefits of keeping kosher (even some health ones!). However, these are "benefits" and not "reasons." God wants us to use our intellect to understand the mitzvot to the best of our ability.

FIVE GOOD REASONS

In this day and age, most Jews do not keep kosher. Why not? Is it because we are more knowledgeable than our forbearers of the past 3,000 years? Do we know what they knew, weighed the information and concluded that keeping kosher is out? Or was it a slide away from observance over the years and over the generations due to getting along in a modern world?

I am betting that 99 percent will answer (truthfully) that it's the latter case. We don't know what our ancestors knew, and we are comfortable doing what we are doing.

What could possibly motivate us to keep kosher? Well, if we really knew that there is a God who gave us the Torah and that we have a covenant with Him to keep the Torah -- it would probably motivate some people. Then again, I can hear the response -- "What? You want me to buy new dishes, pots and pans... and two sets? Are you nuts? Do you realize how difficult it would be to keep kosher? The changes to my kitchen and to my lifestyle?"

Everything in life has a cost. The only question is if the payoff is worth the investment.

Everything in life has a cost. The only question is if one believes that the payoff is worth the investment. A person is going to do what a person believes is in his/her best interest.

What if keeping kosher would help ensure that your children marry someone Jewish and that you would have Jewish grandchildren? Would that be a motivation? What if it were healthier, enhanced your spirituality, increased personal discipline, and inculcated moral values? Would that intrigue you to look further?

Perhaps the following understandings of keeping kosher will be food for thought:

1) Hygienic: There are many laws that promote health. Judaism forbids eating animals that died without proper slaughter and the draining of the blood (which is a medium for the growth of bacteria). Judaism also forbids eating animals that have abscesses in their lungs or other health problems.

Shellfish, mollusks, lobsters (and yes, stone crabs) which have spread typhoid and are a source for urticara (hives) are not on the diet. Milk and meat digest at an unequal rate and are difficult for the body; they are forbidden to be eaten together.

Birds of prey are not kosher -- tension and hormones produced might make the meat unhealthy.

2) Moral Lessons: We are taught to be sensitive to others' feelings -- even to the feelings of animals. A mother and her young are forbidden to be slaughtered on the same day, and of course "don't boil a kid (goat) in its mother's milk."

The Torah prohibits cruelty to animals. We must not remove the limb of an animal while it is still alive (a common practice, prior to refrigeration). When we slaughter an animal, it must be done with the least possible pain; there is a special knife that is so sharp that even the slightest nick in the blade renders it impermissible. This prevents pain to the animal.

And we are reminded not to be vicious, by the prohibition to eat vicious birds of prey.

3) National Reasons -- The Jewish people have a mission of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. A special diet reminds us of our mission and keeps us together as a people to fulfill it. (Intermarriage is kind of hard when you have to take your non-Jewish date to a kosher restaurant, or if you go to a prospective mother-in-law's home and you won't eat her food...)

Jewish mysticism teaches that non-kosher food blocks the spiritual potential of the soul.

Keeping kosher is also a reminder of gratitude to the Almighty for taking the Jewish people out of Egypt, and a symbol of the holy covenant. (see Leviticus 11:45-47)

4)Mystical -- The Torah calls the Jews a "holy people" and prescribes a holy diet (see Deut. 14:2-4). You are what you eat. Kosher is God's diet for spirituality. Jewish mysticism teaches that non-kosher food blocks the spiritual potential of the soul.

Kosher animals properly slaughtered and prepared have more "sparks of holiness" (according to the Kabbalah) which are incorporated in our being.

5)Discipline -- If a person can be disciplined in what and when he eats, it follows that he can be disciplined in other areas of life as well. Kashrut requires that one must wait after eating meat before eating milk products and we may not eat certain animals or combinations of foods. (Even when you're hungry!) All of this instills self-discipline.

LEARNING MORE

If you disagree with these understandings and benefits, that's okay, too. Because the real reason we eat kosher is that God commanded us to do so in the Torah, and the Jewish people are bound to God in a covenant to keep the commandments of that Torah.

Which begs another question: How do we know there is a God, and how do we know that God gave us the Torah? For some answers, read "Permission to Believe" and "Permission to Receive," two books by Lawrence Keleman.

Just as a parent loves the first steps of a toddler, the Almighty treasures our steps toward fulfilling His Torah.

To learn more about kashrut, read "The Kosher Kitchen" by Rabbi Ze'ev Greenwald, a user-friendly, practical and illustrated guide that eliminates the mystery and confusion of keeping kosher. (All three books are available from your local Jewish bookstore, or by calling toll-free 877-758-3242, or online at www.aish.com/a/eichlers/).

Of course, the Almighty does not want us to become neurotic. If one wants to upgrade his observance of Torah, it should be done in intelligent, calculated steps. Just as a parent loves the first steps of a toddler, the Almighty treasures our steps toward fulfilling His Torah. Do what you can, with thoughts of doing even more.

This is the sane approach to coming closer to the Almighty, fulfilling His mitzvot, and gaining benefits, too.

I have always been intrigued by the Jewish faith and wanted to learn more. The article opened my eyes to a better understanding of what "kosher" means. I plan to do more research on it and maybe implement a "kosher" life style. Thank you

(23)
Nicole,
September 11, 2012 6:34 PM

Great explanation!

I never knew or understood what kosher was n this was such a great article n really full of knowledge. It really helped me better understand the Jewish culture and their belief n closeness to God. Thank u for helping me understand this topic!

(22)
Danielle,
March 7, 2012 8:04 PM

keeping kosher

I thought this article was very interesting and a great explanation of why people choose to live kosher lifestyles. I bet it would be hard to stay kosher all of the time in a country that doesn't exactly follow kashrut. It would be hard to trust which places were actually kosher and which ones weren't. This article definitely helped me gain a better understanding of why people decided to follow kashrut. Good job!
Danielle
http://madefromacai.com/acai/kosher

(21)
Barbara,
March 9, 2011 7:49 PM

This is Kosher

The best explanation and interest in being Jewish and keeping Jewish.

(20)
Daniel,
March 9, 2011 6:30 PM

Is it the best?

I am a Jew who used to keep a Kosher home. , I found there is greater Jewish spiritual value in finding ways to be environmentally proper in what I choose to eat.

(19)
Hadassa,
March 9, 2011 4:10 PM

I don't keep a kosher kitchen and eat kosher food, more out of practical reasons , i live far away from where i can get kosher food and yes , too much assimilated in certain ways, I'm the only one of my family who is very serious about returning home in the spiritual sense, so i have to teach myself the jewish way of life....but i want to thank you for your articles , because they teach meand bring understanding ...

(18)
Anonymous,
July 15, 2010 1:03 AM

Informative

As a non Jewish person, I thank you for the explanation. I have much respect for you culture...and will probely use more Kosher in my own diet...Thank you

(17)
Anonymous,
June 4, 2010 6:57 AM

Nice explanation for kosher food. I wanted to know why some food items in health store were kosher certified and what is the reason behind it. Your explanation and resources to learn more were helpful.

(16)
Anonymous,
June 28, 2009 9:24 PM

it makes you truly thankful.

When you cannot eat just everything and anything, you are thankful for what you do get. Most people nowadays who eat with no dietary restrictions at all just gobble their food and don't appreciate how lucky they are to have so much available to them.

(15)
Sierra,
November 16, 2008 6:35 AM

Fabulous

I needed to find in-depth information on Kosher foods for a project I'm doing in history class. This really gave an insider's beliefs. Thank you!

(14)
Timothy Steele,
May 25, 2008 6:05 PM

trully good reason

Shalom, Iknew there were deeper reasons for my feelings. This really helps, I have been wondering about my aversion to certain foods. g_d stears us from certain things for a reason. My old friends have noticed the changes I have been going through. Unfortunatly to torment me in my conversion to Jud-ism they invite me over for pork. This has trully been an awakening.Shalom,

(13)
ken oster,
August 23, 2007 3:32 PM

informative

i have ate kosher, not knowing the reasons, but now i know , thank you for the info

(12)
Malka,
May 8, 2007 1:51 AM

excellent

Some feel that many different foods nowadays are cleaner than they use to be and so it's okay to eat it now. But really, we need to understand that keeping kosher is Also for our spiritual health.

Another good book that answers questions about G-d and torah is 'Discover' Rabbi Dov Moshe Lipman

(11)
Anonymous,
May 19, 2005 12:00 AM

Lots of help!

This helped me get some ideas for some RE coursework I had to write. Thanks!

(10)
Megan,
February 27, 2005 12:00 AM

Great Resource!

This was fantastic. I'm an RE teacher who is planning on teaching Kashrut to 11 year olds. This is a great source of information to explain the "why" of Kashrut--instead of having them focus on just the "what". Thanks!

(9)
Arielle,
January 20, 2005 12:00 AM

Exactly what I needed for my Rabbinics essay!

(8)
Joshua,
January 7, 2004 12:00 AM

Well researched and thorough!

Excellent report on all possible facets of why one should keep kosher. Broad range of reasons gives great support.

(7)
Anonymous,
July 1, 2002 12:00 AM

Terrific!!

I really enjoyed reading this, and its combination of commitment to halacha, a sense of humor, and the ability to let people know to go at their own pace and not get "meshuga".

(6)
Debra,
June 18, 2002 12:00 AM

Very informative

Gives me a better idea of why Jews keep kosher.

(5)
Susan Ellman,
February 14, 2002 12:00 AM

additional reason for keeping kosher

Kashrut is more environmentally responsible than the normal American diet. Essentially, we are only permitted to eat animals that graze for their food. Pigs need to be fed, and the food they eat (corn, soybeans, etc.) will nourish more people us if we fed it directly to ourselves than if we process it into pork. Kashrut makes us conserve limited natural resources, and surely G-d can't object to that!

(4)
Robbie Scott,
February 11, 2002 12:00 AM

Because it is His commandment

All of the comments are great as is the article. In addition I think keeping kosher is great becauses it pleases
G-d. He told us to do it and that is enough.

(3)
Henry Gross,
February 10, 2002 12:00 AM

Additional Reasons for Kosher Rules

> I thought your article "Why Kosher?" was quite thought-provoking.
However, I had a few additional reasons to offer why God would have one keep
kosher:
>
> 1) The kosher rules about separating the blood from the animal could be a
way of reinforcing the teaching about life and death, for, as the Torah says,
"The life is in the blood". When one sees the "lifeblood" drain from the animal it can reinforce both the "preciousness" and the "fragility" of life.
>
> 2) In general, the kosher rules regarding the slaughtering of animals can reinforce the seriousness and even awlfulness of taking life, and provoke questions as to what legitimate reasons there might or might not be for killing.
>
> 3) The distinctions made between "clean" and "unclean" animals can reinforce the teaching about the distinction between the sacred and the profane, by drawing out the differences between the "filthy" practices of "unclean" animals
and the "less polluted" practices of "clean" animals.
>
> 4) The distinction between pigs and kosher cloven animals can also reinforce the idea of not pursuing after indolence, as the pig who does nothing but wallow in its sty, but rather to seek after diligence and persistence, as in the cow, which diligently, patiently and thoroughly chews its cud.
>
> 5) The distinction between not eating scavengers and birds of prey and
eating other birds can reinforce the principles of not seeking to steal another's work, of not settling for life's leftovers, and of not being ruthless in the pursuit of life, as the scavengers and birds of prey are.
>
> 6) The distinction between eating fish with fins and scales versus not
eating other kinds of fish can reinforce the idea that good comes to those who work hard after it, as is required in order to catch the actively-swimming scaled and finned fish, rather than just looking to have everything handed, or come easy, to us, as is involved in catching shellfish.
>
> 7) The injunction to not pick fruit until the fourth year can reinforce
the lessons of delaying gratification and pursuing patience...

(2)
Laurie Gensch,
February 5, 2002 12:00 AM

Why Kosher?

Thank you very much for this timely article. I was just discussing this very topic the other day with a friend and she had asked me to "prove" why she should not eat meat and milk together.

I am not lucky enough to be Jewish but I read every one of your articles to help me along in my life.

Thank you,
Laurie Gensch

(1)
Robert Fleischman,
February 4, 2002 12:00 AM

Excellent, concise

I sent this article to 2 relatives who I hope will read it. It explains everything needed to know in a light and clear fashion Thank you.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...